Sports Ankle Supports

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries seen in sport, especially ball sports such as football and rugby.

Injury to an ankle usually involves the ligaments, which hold the bones of the foot together and the most commonly injured is the ATF (Anterior Talofibular Ligament), when the foot is turned under the weight of the body.

Following ankle sprain, it is likely that a weakness of these ligaments will remain.  This is why correct rehabilitation and stability straining is vitally important.

Regardless of the intensity of the rehabilitation and treatment, for some, the ankle will be prone to repeat sprain and providing support for the ligaments may be necessary if the person is to continue his or her sport.

Sports shoes do not offer much room to accommodate an ankle support, so braces need to be as compact as possible whilst offering the support required.

Some of the most popular sports ankle braces on the market include:

Mueller Soccer Ankle Brace – Designed for speed and flexibility. High front cut leaves front of foot open for more foot movement and better ball control.  Lightweight ankle brace fits either foot. A great football ankle support.

Mueller HG80 adjustable ankle support – Features the Mueller-exclusive HydraCinn™ fabric, Adjust-to-Fit side panels, anti-microbial, back-entry easy-on design, fully adjustable comfortable fit, fits left or right.

Mueller Pro Style AFT – The state-of-the-art ATF Ankle Braces feature the patented inner ATF strap to support the most commonly sprained ligament to virtually eliminates inversion sprains.  The High Performance ATF is a custom fitted (left or right) brace that conforms to the arch of the foot for precise fit and no bulk.  The PRO-LEVEL ATF w/Universal Fit has a redesigned inner ATF strap that self adjust to each individual foot for superior protection against inversion sprains.

McDavid Ankle Guard 196 Soccer – The 196 Soccer Laced Ankle Brace is specifically designed for soccer. It has a shortened forefoot which allows the contact crucial to good ball handling while providing ankle protection. Also featured are two layers of breathable polyester/vinyl mesh fabric with elastic inserts over the heel and tongue for comfort. Spring steel stays along the sides provide support. Ideal football ankle brace.

McDavid 199 lightweight – The 199 Lightweight Ankle Brace is one of the most popular laced ankle braces. It’s the favorite of athletes, trainers and coaches to replace tape and help prevent common injuries. Reduced-weight for better mobility and the poly/vinyl mesh fabric breathes for cooler comfort.
Features 2 layers of nylon/vinyl mesh fabric, spring steel stays, padded HydraVent hDc™ Moisture Management Technology lining, a ventilated tongue, and sewn-in arch support. Extremely durable and comfortable. Fits left or right ankle and most shoe styles.

Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace incorporates clinically proven Air-Stirrup® Ankle Brace features, such as a semi-rigid shell and aircells, to provide comfort and support. Additional compression and stabilization is provided by ATF (anterior talofibular) cross strap and integral forefoot and shin wraps. The unique “step-in” design (toes first inserted into the back of the brace) and automatic heel adjustment make the AirSport extremely fast and easy to put on, just: Step In, Strap Up, And Go!

Strapping & Taping supplies

An excellent range of Kinesio Tape, Steroplast’s premium sports tape and white zinc oxide tape.

Ideal for most strapping purposes, also available is the twin patella taping pack, fixation tape, foam underwrap and silk tape.

Surgical tape (also known as medical tape) is a form of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used in medicine and first aid as a bandage to hold a dressing onto a wound  It will generally have a gentle hypoallergenic adhesive, and be breathable to allow air to reach the skin.

Breathable tapes like elastic bandages with adhesive are usually made of cotton.  They allow support whilst enabling normal muscle function without too much restriction.  This type of tape is commonly used by Rugby Union players to tape around the thigh for a safer lineout lift.

Surgical tape is often white because it contains zinc oxide, which is added to help prevent infections. It is also commonly used as a grip in sports such as tennis, hockey, and football because of its rough texture and the fact that it leaves very little residue when removed or replaced.

Kinesio tape is a specially developed taping system to ease pain and aid rehabilitation.

Orthotics

Extensive range of orthotics and insoles from superior manufacturers including, Superfeet, Spenco, Footmedics and Sorbothane.

The items below are an selection from the ranges available. Click on the appropriate brand to see the full range.